Kinoko

I fear I am never going to shut up about this place. Stumbled in here after having no plans and I’m so glad we did! Most of the time I try sushi I am at least a little underwhelmed on some of the dishes or rolls… well, consider me fully whelmed. Kinoko is INCREDIBLE. Every employee was super helpful and kind, we got seated quickly, the space was clean with ample seating both indoors and out. The owner/chef Kelseay stopped by to chat, and welcomed us to the neighborhood warmly. This place opened up ~6 months ago, but it felt so cozy and operated smoothly it seems like it’s been a neighborhood staple for years. Tried the Firefighter Roll, from the special menu - this is to die for. Absolutely sacrifice your soul and spend eternity in purgatory or whatever just to have a nibble. I loved it. It was wrapped in foil and we got to have a small and sensible pyrotechnic moment, as the roll was heated to melty perfection. The volcano roll was also a star, plated nicely and delicious. One of the things that stood out the most though was how a seemingly ~*basic*~ cucumber & avocado roll could be so tasty. With the addition of the kinoko chili oil which incorporates mushrooms, it elevated it to perfection. Really well priced roll too! The chili oil made an appearance on another special that we loved: the scallop nigiri with shiitake and the chili crunch. The scallops were perfectly buttery and soft. I did not have a single bad bite or even underwhelming bite. Every moment of this dining experience was pure taste bud bliss. GO HERE IMMEDIATELY. Meal with 4 items fed 2 people to fullness for under $100 😌 Including 20% tip, which you absolutely should be tipping at minimum… tbh they deserve a million dollars. Update: every single vegan option is amazing. The Mango Tango and the Creole Roll are both so outstanding.

Creative food and nice ambience. Small kitchen and staff, so the food took a little longer than expected. Dumplings were good, the NOLA roll was tasty, just a little more expensive than expected, chicken karaage was a good portion, but maybe should have been sauced, and the jumbalaya rice was comforting.

This is one of the most fun and impressive new restaurants I've been to in a long time. Taking authentic Japanese cuisine and weaving in classic southern Louisiana elements, successfully elevating both. The wagyu and scallop roll blew my mind. Absolutely delicious, highly recommend!

My absolute favorite place to eat at now. I went for the first time about 3 weeks ago, and since then I’ve been 4 times. I just can’t get enough of Kinoko’s unique approach to food, but also their atmosphere. The music selection is ALWAYS on point. As for the food, I highly recommend the Crawfish Jambalaya Rice, the Jackfruit roll, and of course, the greatest dessert ever… the Molten Matcha Lava Cake. There’s so many options to try on this menu, and so far I’ve been too addicted to what I ate on my first visit to even try new things. The owner, Kelseay, is such a sweetheart and very easily the heart & soul of the place. Devyn is the best server to have, she already knows exactly what I’ll order before I even say anything. Maybe that’s just down to me being predictable, but more than likely it’s her down-to-earth personality. I love you guys!!!

Came from Canada just to try this place, and was not disappointed. The creativity in the menu was top tier, something I never knew was possible but always needed. They take vegan eats to the next level, nothing was bland or boring. The perfect blend of southern spice mixed with fresh Asian cuisine was a delight. The atmosphere was just right, the vibrant colours made this an upscale dining experience. The portions were fair and just right. I find Americans often really pile it on, this is not a fast food supersize me place. If I’m ever in this neck of the woods again, I will be trying again and hope to soon. Maybe we can have something like this in Canada!

Wow! This place is an absolute gem. The owner and service were seriously top-notch – so unbelievably welcoming and attentive. But the real star of the show is the incredibly inventive Nola fusion with Asian flavors. Each dish was a delightful surprise and absolutely delicious. Highly, highly recommend checking this spot out.

Kinoko, tucked away in Greenpoint, is a delightful fusion of Japanese and Southern flavors that won me over from the first bite. The dumplings with lobster and fried rice were good, no doubt, but let me tell you about the real MVP: the matcha cake and ice cream. Absolutely amazing! The perfect balance of sweetness and earthy matcha flavor that left me craving more. If you're in Greenpoint and craving a unique experience, Kinoko is the spot to hit up for a taste sensation that'll leave you wanting seconds.

Folks were super nice but tbh this is whitewashed sushi — thin slices of fish, small portions, and rolls that were more about the vibe than the substance. One roll was $27 which is wild considering how little food it actually was. The cucumber salad and karaage were great though. Our party of four left hungry and ended up grabbing more food after — and this was after spending $300 pre-tip. We didn’t have any of the “big” plates which may have contributed to the lack of satiety The sake’s locally sourced from the Catskills which kind of says it all — cool in theory but felt disconnected from its roots. But that might be the intention here, to repurpose and make more accessible If you’re going for the aesthetic or just want to say you’ve been, maybe it works. But if you’re looking for something that respects the tradition or actually fills you up, I’d skip it

I would have never thought of fusing Cajun/Creole and Japanese food, but what they're cooking up at Kinoko is sooo right and fun! The blend between each cuisine's comfort foods and flavors is seamless and the flavor profiles and textures truly elevate the experience. There were plenty of creative plant-based options that surprised a carnivore like myself. The jackfruit sneauxcrab blew our minds- spot on texture and flavor. The star of the night had to be the jambalaya fried rice. Japanese omurice with the flavors of a Southern jambalaya... Do yourself a favor and try it. They slice the omelet at the table as well! We sat at the bar as a group of four on a Friday night and had plenty of space for the many dishes we ordered! The barstaff and servers were lively and friendly, and I'll definitely be back!

My hubby and I went for his bday dinner and wow! It was all our favs in one place. New Orleans flair and fusion into Japanese and sushi! Gotta love it! The Nola Roll was incredible. And don't sleep on the matcha lava cake. My hubby was in heaven! So many booming and unique flavors. The servers are fun and having a great time right along with you! I cannot wait to go back! The owner is just lovely and makes the spot a vibrant place to be!

10/10 Tried this on a whim after seeing it on pulsd and I'm so happy I did, this is the perfect combination of New Orleans flavor and the freshness of Japanese cuisine. The owner is a hostess with the mostest who offers that warm southern hospitality that's so hard to come by in NYC and makes you feel comfortable which just elevates the experience I tried the New Orleans roll and I'm still thinking about it, the fried rice is also amazing. A definite hidden gem And must try

Such an amazing spot! The food is SERIOUSLY next level delish. Trust me you wanna take your time with every bite!

Tucked away in Greenpoint, Kinoko mixes Japanese and Southern flavors in a way that hooked me right away. The dumplings with lobster and fried rice? Good stuff. But let me rave about the real star: the matcha cake and ice cream. It's seriously amazing! Sweetness and matcha goodness in perfect balance, making me crave more. If you're around Greenpoint and want something different, Kinoko is the place to be for flavors that'll make you want seconds.

I met the owner's mom while waiting for a very delayed flight last summer down to New Orleans after spending 2 days in 2 airports. She was a riot, and told me her daughter moved to NYC and was opening a NOLA inspired Asian fusion restaurant. My brain lit up, and I started following the Instagram page. It took me 10 months after that to get there, and it was BEYOND worth the wait I went with my friend who was actually supposed to go with me on that flight last summer, and it's walkable from his apt (which is now dangerous in the best way). We walked in and I recognized Kelseay from social media, and introduced myself as we'd talked a bit on IG prior. She immediately knew who I was, was so welcoming and we were seated at one of the window seats. The whole place is so warm, decorated in such lovely ways, and I Love how much purple there is. Given the name of the restaurant is mushroom in Japanese, it's ironic that I don't eat mushrooms (and I cannot handle spice). She was super informative about what vegan options I could have in general or with possibly omitting anything spicy and mushrooms. I got the jackfruit tamaki and the mango roll sans Sriracha. The tamaki was so good and unique that I got a second one, and the way they use jackfruit in place of crab is unlike anything I've experienced. It was happy hour, so the tamaki and 2 wines on the menu were half off. The wine was delicious, the tamaki I liked more than the sushi roll, and then kelseay asked if we were interested in dessert... She said there was a matcha cake, and I didn't need to hear anything else. It wasn't 100% for me ingredients wise, and I didn't care. This was one of the best most different desserts ive ever had-it's basically a matcha lava cake and comes with a matcha kit Kat bar and ice cream on the side. I was so in awe of what I'd just eaten I could honestly barely form sentences. The entire experience was incredible, unique, not like anything I've ever had, and I cannot WAIT to go back. We got there right after they opened, and it quickly filled up. I am so thankful for that plane trip last year I wasn't originally supposed to take, and for Kelseay and her mom Jer for being some of the most fun and kind people I've met in a while. Once you meet both you really can tell they're related, I'm so excited for them and to recommend so many people to go check out Kinoko

Kinoko in Brooklyn offers a unique fusion of Japanese, Cajun, and Creole cuisines, showcasing a delightful and innovative menu that marries different culinary traditions. Located in Greenpoint, it's a vibrant spot that brings a fresh twist to traditional sushi and introduces creative dishes that blend various flavors and techniques. The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Kelseay Dukae, who draws inspiration from her New Orleans roots and her passion for sushi. Among the standout offerings are vegan temaki options, such as panko-fried oyster mushrooms with yuzu kosho mayo and hot agave, and jackfruit sneauxcrab with cucumbers and spicy mayo. The menu also features a salmon temaki with pastrami cured hot smoked salmon, whipped scallion cream cheese, and cucumbers, showcasing Dukae's innovative approach to sushi. Further embracing the fusion theme, Kinoko serves a gumbo ramen described as "Nola meets Japanese," blending Dukae's Creole background with her culinary expertise. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere is complemented by a selection of wines, sake, and beer, making it a comfortable place to enjoy unique flavors and combinations. With its commitment to serving vegan-friendly dishes alongside ethically sourced fish and seasonal vegetables, Kinoko stands out as a testament to Dukae's culinary journey and her ability to bring different worlds of flavor together under one roof.

One billion stars. One of, if not THE, best gumbos I've ever had. Everything was/is phenomenal, best creole/cajun in the city . Like I almost want to keep it a secret it's so good. The brunch menu was great, the dinner menu is great. Owner was so friendly and welcoming. Just go!

Everything was Really Great, it was a perfect Blend of Japanese and Creole food Very Unique and original, The server Ava , was very nice, and she actually asked the chef if he could alter something on the menu For Us, this is a great neighborhood place with Beautiful food Wine and people , definitely don't Skip it

Literally the best restaurant I've ever been to!!! Go. Go right now. I could eat those damn temakis all day and all night. And the gumbo ramen SLAPSSS. Gawd bless chef Kelseay.

I loved the veggie sushi rolls so much! So much flavor. Even if you're not a vegetarian I suggest trying the Kinoko roll! also so cute in there